It’s July. Summer is here and she is hot, baby! if you are looking for a way to keep cool, I’ve got just the thing for you! Today I’m sharing how to make homemade ice cream in a bag! It’s science meets dessert!
I can try to blame the heat for all the ice cream I consume, but we like to eat ice cream even when it’s snowing outside [i.e. snow ice cream], so I don’t know if I’m being fair to the heat. Honestly, you can never go wrong with ice cream.
This kid-friendly summer activity is just as simple as it is delicious! All you need are five ingredients: half-and-half, vanilla, sugar, ice, and salt – that’s it!
Ice cream in a bag is so fun and delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Why This Works
The key to ice cream in a bag is the salt. Now, I’m no scientist, nor do I claim to be! My research consisted of a quick Google search, which ultimately led me HERE and HERE.
However, allow me to quickly summarize…
Salt affects how water freezes. Salt lowers the temperature at which ice melts, just like it does to melt ice on the roads in the winter. Pur water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Adding salt lowers the freezing point by a few degrees, also called freezing point depression.
Cream and butterfat freeze at a lower temperature than water. The salty ice mixture allows the ice cream base to cool enough sot hat it starts to thicken and freeze before the ice melts copmletely. Melting requries energy, so for the ice to melt it must absorb heat from its surroundings (the ice cream base) causing it to freeze.
I sure sound like a scientist though, don’t I? (hair flip)
Ice Cream In A Bag
Ingredients
- Gallon-Sized Bags
- Quart-Sized Bags
- 1 Cup Half-and-Half
- 2 T Granulated Sugar
- 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
- 3 Cups Ice
- 1/2 Cup Salt
- Oven Mits/Towels
- Toppings
Directions
- In a small plastic bag, combine half-and-half, sugar, and vanilla. Squeeze out as much of the air in the bag as possible.
- In a large plastic bag, add ice, salt, and the sealed small plastic bag with the half-and-half, sugar, and vanilla.
- Shake vigorously for 5-10 minutes until the ice cream has hardened.
- Remove the small bag from inside the large bag.
- Rinse the small bag to remove any salt.
- Eat directly from the small bag or scoop into a bowl.
- Don’t forget to add your favorite ice cream toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of milk?
Yes! Different kinds of milk will result in a different ice cream texture. Using 2% or whole milk will results in a less creamy ice cream, but the flavor should still be good. You can try a mixture of heavy cream and whole milk for the ultimate of creamy ice cream. Play around with different “milk” proportions to see which you like best.
Will my ice cream be salty?
No. The salt and ice are not mixing in with the ice cream mixture. Be sure to invest in heavy duty plastic bags (usually namebrand) to prevent ripping or breaking. Rinse bag after shaking and before opening.
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